Laying the foundation for healthy habits

When it comes to healthy oral care habits among children it can be, well, challenging. Just ask any parent.

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Setting up children for a lifetime of healthy oral care habits is critical, but there’s no doubt that it can be easier said than done. Either children don’t want to take the time to brush their teeth or, if they do, there’s a good chance they don’t brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.



In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the single-most common chronic childhood disease — five times more common than asthma, four times more common than early-childhood obesity and 20 times more common than diabetes.



Babies’ teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear, which is usually around 6 months of age. This often is referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

It is critical that children develop healthy oral care habits, and it is a point not going unnoticed by oral care companies as they work to bring both innovation and fun into the oral care aisle.



For example, Dr. Fresh is broadening its portfolio of Firefly toothbrushes for children with the new Firefly Star Wars Ready Go Brush developed to celebrate the forthcoming “Star Wars” movie and bring fun into the oral care aisle. There’s also a new Firefly Hello Kitty Ready Go Brush and Firefly Hello Kitty Anticavity Mouth Rinse. Both Firefly toothbrushes feature a timer to ensure children brush one minute on uppers and one minute on lowers.



Looking to bring not just innovation but gamification to the segment is Vigilant with its new Rainbow smart toothbrush for children, which uses an app to guide the brusher.



In addition, Baby Buddy has expanded its oral care line for children with a new 360 Toothbrush to brush teeth, tongue and gums simultaneously; all-natural wipes called Tooth Tissues; and Wipe-N-Brush to gently wipe and brush baby’s gums and teeth.